In consequence of the partial drainage of Lough Mourne during the
summer of 1882, while its basin was being converted into a reservoir
for the supply of water to the town of Belfast, two artificial
islands became exposed which were at once recognised to be the
remains of submerged lake-dwellings. Shortly after exposure I visited
them in company with Mr. Robinson, the assistant engineer to the
Belfast waterworks, and subsequently recorded my observations in the
Proceedings of the Society of Antiquaries of Scotland (B. 439), of
which the following is a short abstract.
The first, which was easily accessible on foot, was very much
disturbed by the repeated "howkings" of visitors. Its form, as
determined by the area containing the stumps of piles, was irregularly
circular, but nowhere exceeding 60 feet in diameter. Included within
this area were four small separate elevations, composed of a few
stones, clay, and ashes interspersed with burnt twigs and bits of
charcoal. None of these elevations had as large a diameter as 10
feet, and it only required one turn over of the spade to reach the
undisturbed bed of the lake. Digging on these so-called islets,
and in the spaces around them, I found stumps of upright piles and
fragments of burnt faggots, the latter forming a thin layer over
the true lake-sediment. The piles were closely set, about one or
one and a half foot apart, and uniformly occupied the whole area of
the dwelling without any appearance of circular stockades; nor was
there any semblance of a fascine-structure indicating an artificially
constructed island. From the margin or outskirts of the area occupied
by these piles a double row of stumps extended towards the shore,
which, on being traced, were found to have stopped half way to the
ordinary water-level mark. The conclusion which I came to was that
this lacustrine dwelling was a true palafitte, over whose wooden
platform two or three hearths were constructed of incombustible
materials, as stone and clay. Probably these hearths would have been
surrounded by some kind of huts. During the conflagration which had
destroyed the entire wooden structures (of which final catastrophe
there appeared little doubt from the amount of burnt faggots and beams
that lay scattered over the lake bed all over the area containing
piles), the materials of these hearths would ultimately drop down
to the bottom of the lake, still, however, retaining their relative
position, and so present the appearance of low mounds over the bed of
the lake with the stumps of their supporting piles penetrating them.
[Illustration: =Fig. 125.=--LOUGH MOURNE. No. 1 = ¼, and 2 = ½
real size.]
Among the relics recorded from this lake-dwelling are "two small stone
crucibles" (B. 320), an iron hatchet, part of a canoe, a hammer-stone,
a rubbing-stone, two small urns (?), part of a large crucible, charred
bones, teeth, shells of hazel-nuts. (B. 439, p. 324.) Flint flakes,
scrapers, and arrow-points have been found in the vicinity along the
shore, but on the crannog itself only a quantity of fine chips was
discovered. Some of these relics I saw in the possession of a young
man of the name of Macdonald, who lived in the neighbourhood and took
an active part in searching for relics. The iron hatchet turned out to
be of exceptional interest. It is a socketed celt, with a loop at one
side for fixing the handle, part of which was still remaining in the
socket. (=Fig. 125=, No. 1.) Bronze celts of this description are, of
course, very common, but specimens made of iron are extremely rare,
especially in the British Isles, and only exceptionally to be seen in
the museums of Europe. This is the only one hitherto recorded from
a British lake-dwelling, and, moreover, it is, as regards size and
form, quite unique. It measures 6¾ inches long and 3¼ inches broad
immediately above the cutting edge. The longest diameter of the socket
is 2½ inches, and this breadth is continued for about two-thirds of
its length, except where the loophole causes it to bulge outwards.
One of the crucibles, which I believe is now presented to the Belfast
Museum, is rather peculiar in having a short projecting handle (No. 2).
It would thus appear that the inhabitants of this lake-dwelling
practised the art of metallurgy, which would entail at least one
fire-proof furnace, and thus partly account for the existence of so
many hearths on such a small area.
The second dwelling was about 150 yards from the shore, in deep water,
and lying over a great depth of quaking mud. It was a small example of
the ordinary stockaded island, but owing to the softness of the mud
and oozing of water no satisfactory investigation could be undertaken.
Mr. Robinson calculates the extent of its submergence at 15 feet. Its
entire surface was occupied by a heap of stones which gave it the
appearance of a hillside cairn. Digging underneath these stones we
came upon a thick bed of heather and brackens interspersed with beams
and brushwood. Near the margin were to be seen a few piles and beams
rudely mortised, from which one or two long beams radiated towards the
centre like the spokes of a wheel.
In the first described lake-dwelling no submergence could have taken
place, as the lake bottom was composed of compact sand in which the
piles had a firm hold.
In different parts of the lake two single-tree canoes were found
embedded in the mud, both of which are now preserved in the Belfast
Museum. One is a plain trough of a rectangular shape with slightly
sloping sides, measuring 12½ feet long, 2½ wide and 9 inches deep
(No. 3). Its flat base is perforated with six circular holes ¾ inch
in diameter. The other is pointed at both ends, and altogether much
more artistic in its structure. It was originally about 13 feet long
and 3½ feet wide, but the fore-part is considerably damaged. The
stern portion is here figured (No. 4). It had two seats formed of neat
planks of oak, seven inches broad, and supported on projecting ledges
on each side cut out of the solid, as shown in the section No. 6. The
seats (No. 5) were kept in position by two wooden pins at each end
which penetrated into the solid supports. For the oars there were also
two arrangements on each side consisting of perforated projections
left out of the solid as shown on the margin of the portion here
sketched. But the most remarkable feature of this canoe consists of
four prominences with abrupt edges (also left in the solid) for the
feet of the rowers, as seen in the illustration. The distances from
the centre of the seats to their corresponding foot marks were 33 and
34 inches respectively.
LIST OF IRISH CRANNOGS ALPHABETICALLY ARRANGED,
WITH NOTES AND REFERENCES.
Aconnick Lough, co. Cavan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Acrussel Lough, co. Fermanagh. B. 444, p. 187.
Allen Lough, co. Leitrim. B. 9, p. 45.
[75]Aghakilconnel Lough, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Aghnamullen ("Glebe Island"), co. Monaghan. B. 93b, p. 229.
[76]Annagh Lough, two crannogs, between King and Queen's County.
B. 149, p. 154.
Annagh, parish of Kilbarron, co. Tipperary. B. 444, p. 212.
Ardakillen, four crannogs. B. 13, p. 208, and Ap. p. 48;
B. 18, p. 230.
[77]Ardmore Bay, submarine crannog, co. Waterford. B. 329, p. 61,
and B. 330, p. 154.
Arrow Lough, co. Sligo, several stone islands near the
Abbey of Ballindoon. B. 444, p. 245.
Aughlish, about five miles from Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh.
B. 217, pp. 323.
Ballaghmore, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Ballinafad, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
[78]Ballinahinch, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
Ballinderry, near Moate, co. Westmeath. B. 391, p. 196.
Ballinlough, four crannogs, co. Galway. B. 70a.
Ballydoolough, five miles from Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh.
B. 191, pp. 360 and 569, and B. 217, p. 314.
Ballygawley Lake, co. Sligo. B. 444, p. 246.
[79]Ballyhoe Lough, two crannogs, near Carrickmacross, co.
Monaghan. B. 13, p. 417, and B. 135, p. 8.
Ballykinler, co. Down. B. 29, p. 86.
Ballylough Baile-an-Locha. "Annals of the Four Masters,"
B. 27, p. 193, and B. 438, p. 168.
Ballywoolen, co. Down. B. 29, p. 86.
Bohermeen, co. Meath. B. 444, p. 82.
Bola Lough, co. Galway, lake stone-dwelling. B. 214, p. 11.
[80]Breagho, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Camlough, co. Armagh. B. 444, p. 178.
[81]Cargaghoge, Barony of Farney, co. Monaghan. B. 162, p. 269,
and vol. v., 4th S., p. 330.
Castleforbes, co. Longford. B. 24, p. 150.
Castlefore Lough, two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43;
B. 438, p. 409.
Clogherny, co. Tyrone. B. 119, 2nd ed., p. 649.
[82]Cloncorick Castle L., co. Leitrim. B. 440, p. 408.
Cloneygonnell L. (Tonymore), three crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 60.
Cloonbo L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Cloonboniagh L., co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43,
and B. 438, p. 408.
Cloonfinnen L., co. Leitrim. _Ibid._, and B. 438, p. 408.
Cloonfinlough, two crannogs, co. Roscommon. B. 13, p. 208,
and Ap. p. 40.
Cloonfree, two crannogs. _Ibid._, p. 219, and Ap. p. 48.
Cloonturk L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. _Ibid._, Ap. p. 43.
[83]Cloughwater Bog, near Ballymena, co. Antrim. B. 148, p. 21.
Coal Bog (Kilnamaddo), near Boho, co. Fermanagh.
_Jour. Arch. Association_, xxxvi. p. 271; B. 345, p. 66.
Coolcranoge, co. Limerick. B. 444, p. 28.
Corcreevy (Loch-Laoghaire) co. Tyrone.
"Annals of the Four Masters," B. 13, p. 215.
Corrib L., a few lake stone-dwellings, co. Galway.
B. 214, p. 11.
[84]Cornagall L., co. Cavan. B. 191a, p. 461.
[85]Cornaseer, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 148.
Craigywarren, co. Antrim. B. 444, p. 110.
Crannagh MacKnavin, co. Leitrim. B. 18, p. 233.
Crannagh Lough, co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 157.
Crannog-na-n-Duini, co. Donegal. B. 18, p. 233.
Crannog-boy, parish of Inishkeel, co. Donegal. B. 444, p. 28.
Crannog Mac Samhradhain, co. Cavan.
"Annals of the Four Masters.," B. 9, p. 45.
Creenagh L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 438, p. 408.
Cullina, near Maryborough, Queen's County. B. 444, p. 210.
[86]Currygrane L., two crannogs, co. Longford. B. 443, p. 410.
Derreen L., co. Roscommon. B. 13, Ap. p. 62.
Derreskit L., co. Cavan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Drumaleague L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 18;
B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Drumdarragh or Trillick, co. Fermanagh. B. 441; B. 217, p. 324.
[87]Drumgay, three crannogs and one stone-island, co. Fermanagh.
B. 189, p. 232, and B. 217, p. 314.
[88]Drumkeery L., near Bailieborough, co. Cavan, B. 57, p. 483.
[89]Drumkelin, parish of Inver, co. Donegal. B. 3, p. 361.
[90]Drumlane, eight miles from Cavan, two crannogs, co. Cavan.
B. 438, p. 149.
Drumskimly, three crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 189, p. 583, and
B. 217, p. 320.
[91]Drumsloe, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 321.
Effernan, co. Clare. B. 346, p. 336.
Eyes Lough, six crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 189, p. 553
and B. 217, p. 317.
Faughan L., co. Down. B. 24 and 25; B. 18, p. 158.
Fort L., co. Donegal. B. 444, p. 181.
Funshinagh L., co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Galbally, co. Tyrone, B. 217, p. 197.
Glencar L., five crannogs, co. Sligo and Leitrim. B. 444, p. 243.
Gortalough, co. Fermanagh. B. 346, p. 336.
Grantstown, co. Queen. B. 93, p. 228.
Guile L., co. Antrim. B. 148, p. 20.
Gur L., co. Limerick. Evans' "Ancient Bronze Implements, etc.,"
p. 436; B. 18, p. 223.
Hackett Lough (L. Cimbe), co. Galway. "Annals of Lough Cé," 1067;
B. 119, 2nd ed., p. 654; B. 18, p. 230.
Hilbert L., Goromna Island, a lake stone-dwelling, co. Galway.
B. 214.
Inishrush (Green Lough), co. Derry. B. 25, p. 212.
Joristown, in the river Deal, co. Westmeath. B. 13, Ap. p. 55,
and B. 444, p. 205.
Kilglass L. B. 13, Ap., p. 48.
Killynure, near Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 323.
Kilmore L., two crannogs, co. Monaghan. B. 13, Ap. p. 43.
Kilknock L., co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 153.
Knockany (Lough Cend), co. Limerick. B. 444, p. 156.
Lagore, or Dunshaughlin, co. Meath. B. 175, p. 462; B. 14, p. 35;
B. 18; B. 4, p. 425; B. 10, p. 101.
Lane L., co. Roscommon. _Cal. State Papers Ireland_, vol. 156,
p. 374.
Lankhill, near Enniskillen, co. Fermanagh. B. 441, p. 372.
Leesborough L., co. Monaghan. B. 13, p. 43.
Lenaghan, co. Fermanagh. B. 444, p. 188.
Lisanisk, co. Monaghan. "The island Ever McCooley's house";
B. 18, p. 231; B. 9, p. 46, and B. 8, p. 94.
Lisnacrogliera, near Broughshane, co. Antrim. B. 411.
Lochanacrannog, co. Sligo. B. 444, p. 246.
[92]Loughran's Island ("Innis-an-Lochan"), in the river Bann,
near Coleraine, co. Antrim. B. 13, p. 417; B. 27, p. 192.
Loughannaderriga, Achille Island, co. Mayo. B. 444, p. 230.
Loughinsholin, co. Derry. B. 18, p. 233; B. 25, p. 157.
Loughavarra, co. Antrim. _Ulster J. Arch._, vol. vii. p. 192;
"Annals of the Four Masters," 1544.
Loughavilly, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 321; B. 346, p. 332.
[93]Lochlea, three crannogs, co. Roscommon. B. 13, Ap. pp. 48
and 61; B. 18, p. 29.
Lough-na-Glack, co. Monaghan. B. 9, p. 46.
Lough Cam, lake stone-dwelling, co. Galway. B. 214, p. 12.
Loughmagarry, co. Antrim. B. 24, p. 156.
[94]Loughtamend ("Louglitoman"), co. Antrim. _Ibid._, p. 155.
Loughtown, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. 43.
Loughrea, four crannogs, co. Galway, B. 58, p. 412.
Lough Oughter, three or more crannogs, co. Cavan.
B. 438, p. 151.
Lynch Lough ("Loch-Leith-innsi"), co. Antrim. B. 27, p. 193.
Mac Hugh L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 13, Ap. p. 43,
and B. 440, p. 408.
Macnean L., three crannogs, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 323.
Mac Nevin (Mac Cnaimhain) crannog, co. Galway. B. 70, p. 176.
Manorhamilton, co. Leitrim. B. 25, p. 346, and B. 18, p. 552.
Marlacoo, co. Armagh. _R. H. A. A._, vol. vi., 4th S., p. 432.
Mask L., Hag's Castle, lake stone-dwelling. B. 214, p. 11.
Melvin L. (Melge), between co. Fermanagh and Leitrim.
"Annals of the Four Masters"; B. 18, p. 231,
and B. 13, p. 215.
Moinenoe, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 322.
Monaincha, co. Tipperary. B. 444, p. 212.
Monalty, half a mile from Carrickmacross, co. Monaghan.
B. 8, p. 94, and B. 9, p. 46.
Monea, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 318.
Mongavlin, co. Donegal. "Annals of Lough Cé"; B. 444, p. 151.
Monnachin L., co. Monaghan. _Ibid._, p. 151.
Mourne L., two crannogs, co. Antrim. B. 390, pp. 194 and 371,
and B. 439, p. 321.
Moynagh L., co. Meath. Notes by Col. Wood-Martin.
Muickeanagh L. (Lough Leisi), co. Roscommon. B. 18, p. 230.
Mucknoe L., co. Monaghan. B. 444, p. 151.
Muintir Eolais, co. Leitrim. "Annals of the Four Masters";
B. 18, p. 231; B. 9, p. 45.
Nahinch L., Tipperary and King's County. B. 70b;
Wakefield's "Ireland," vol. i. p. 94.
Naneevin L., co. Galway. B. 118, p. 31.
Ooney L. ("Loch-n-Uithne"), co. Monaghan. "Annals of Lough Cé";
B. 444, p. 156.
Owel L., co. Westmeath. _Pro. R. I. A._, vol. ix. p. 210.
Pad or Boat L., near Lough Eyes, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 318.
Ravel L., "Derryhollow," "Aghaloughan," near Randalstown, co.
Antrim. B. 24 and 25; B. 148, p. 22; B. 215, pp. 74 and 194;
_Kilk. A. S._, 2nd S., vols. iii. p. 88, and iv. p. 36.
[95]Rahan's L., near Carrickmacross, co. Monaghan. _K. A. S._,
vol. iv., 2nd S., p. 379.
Ramor L., co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 152.
[96]Rinn L., three or four crannogs, co. Leitrim. B. 24, p. 147;
B. 440, p. 408.
Ross L., near Crossmaglen, co. Armagh. _J. R. H. A. As._,
vol. vi., 4th S., p. 432.
Roughan L., near Dungannon, co. Tyrone. B. 438, p. 152.
Rouskey L., co. Monaghan. B. 444, p. 151.
Scur L., two crannogs, co. Leitrim. "Annals of Lough Cé," 1345,
1390, and 1580; B. 13, Ap. p. 43. B. 18, p. 223.
[97]St. John's Lough, four crannogs, co. Leitrim.
B. 13, Ap., pp. 43 and 59.
Talogh L., at Feenagh, several crannogs, co. Leitrim.
B. 440, p. 408.
The Miracles, co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 319, and B. 346, p. 331.
Toome Bar, co. Antrim. B. 92, p. 227.
[98]Tully L., three crannogs, co. Cavan. B. 438, p. 150.
Tullyline, co. Cavan. B. 13, p. 215.
Veagh L., co. Donegal. "Annals," B. 18, p. 231.
Yoan L., co. Fermanagh. B. 217, p. 324.